The History of the Toyota 4Runner

Updated on Sep 21, 2023

Nearly four decades ago, a Toyota legend was born. In 1984, the first Toyota 4Runner rolled onto North American showrooms, presenting as an odd lovechild between a Toyota pickup and Landcruiser; since that fateful day, the 4WD landscape hasn’t been the same. On every overland trail, OHV park, or REI parking lot, you’ll find at least a half-dozen Toyota 4Runners of all generations and build styles, showcasing the model’s versatility.

Since the 4Runner’s conception in the mid-eighties, four subsequent generations have debuted, totaling five vastly different platforms. Each holds a special place in off-road history and, in this article, we’re covering them all!

We’re tackling everything there is to know about the Toyota 4Runner, including the model’s history, generational overviews, specifications, and the key reasons behind its unwavering popularity in the off-road scene. If you’re on the fence about purchasing your own 4Runner, we’re here to convince you!

4Runner 101: An Abridged History

As most models do, the Toyota 4Runner began with an idea. In the late 1970s, 1979 to be exact, Toyota announced that the iconic FJ40 LandCruiser would no longer be imported to the United States. Unfortunately, this posed an issue for Americans living in the Northern United States, as the reliable, 4WD SUV perfectly filled the void in the market for a hunting/weekend rig. As a result, Toyota partnered with Winnebago to produce a makeshift SUV: the Toyota Trekker.

The Toyota Trekker was nothing more than a Toyota Pickup (Hilux in other parts of the world) with a grafted-on fiberglass topper and a walk-through design; however, the model was exceptional. It performed every basic function of the Toyota Landcruiser, but in some ways, better! After noting the success of the Trekker and the need for a permanent model, Toyota got to work designing what would eventually become the 1984 4Runner, a model with an ambitious design and a name to match!

The 4Runner garnered instant success, with sales figures warranting the model's continuation year after year. After nearly forty years and five generations, the 4Runner is still in production without a single hiatus.

Toyota 4Runner Generations and Specifications

Over the years, the Toyota 4Runner has seen five generations; let’s take a closer look at each platform and its specifications.

First Generation/N60 (1984-1989)

The first generation Toyota 4Runner stretched from 1984–1989. This generation features the only removable top, manufactured from fiberglass to cut weight. The original 4Runner was more unibody pickup than SUV; no rear seats were installed from the factory in 1984, turning the rear cargo area into a glorified pickup bed. After 1984, rear seats were offered on all trims.

Specifications

Engine	2.4 L 22R I4 (1984–1986) 2.4 L 22R-E I4 (1985–1989) 22R-TE I4 (1986–1988) 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6 (1988–1989)
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Manual
Front Suspension	Leaf-Sprung Solid Axle (1985–1985) Torsion Bar Independent A-Arm (1986–1989)
Rear Suspension	Leaf-Sprung Solid Axle

Second Generation/N120/N130 (1990–1995)

The second generation 4Runner debuted in 1990 and stretched until 1995. This generation was less of a pickup, focusing on the passenger car market with its one-piece top, fully-furnished cabin, and coil-sprung rear suspension. This generation aimed at the SUV market, separating itself from the original Toyota Pickup that the first generation so closely resembled.

Specifications

Engine	2.4 L 22R-E I4 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Manual
Front Suspension	Torsion Bar Independent A-Arm
Rear Suspension	Coil-Sprung Solid Axle

Third Generation/N180 (1996–2002)

The third generation 4Runner debuted in 1996 and continued production through 2002. This model, while similar aesthetically to the second-generation 4Runner, featured a completely redesigned tub, chassis, and powertrain, furthering the model’s progression into SUV royalty.

The new 4Runner sported coil springs on all four corners, ditching the first and second-generation’s rough-riding torsion bars. This provided a much cushier ride on and off-road, making the third generation a popular choice for off-roaders. All powertrains also received a refresh, with the third-generation 4Runner pulling the 2.7L I4 and far superior 3.4L V6 directly out of the Tacoma.

Specifications

Engine	2.7 L 3RZ-FE I4 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Manual
Front Suspension	Coil-Sprung Independent A-Arm
Rear Suspension	Coil-Sprung Solid Axle

Fourth Generation/N210 (2003–2009)

The fourth-generation 4Runner showed yet another significant departure from the previous generation, featuring a complete redesign and all-new styling, reminiscent of the soon-to-be-released second-generation Tacoma.

This 4Runner featured sleek sheet metal with luxury styling, similar to offerings from Toyota’s luxury subsidiary, Lexus. However, unlike the model’s street-tuned competitors, the fourth-generation 4Runner retained its rugged body-on-frame design and solid rear axle. The fourth generation’s front suspension received a considerable upgrade to a coil-sprung, double wishbone system, however.

The fourth generation 4Runner also debuted with two all-new power plants: a 4.0L V6 and a 4.7L V8.

Specifications

Engine	4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Automatic
Front Suspension	Coil-Sprung Independent Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Coil-Sprung Solid Axle

Fifth Generation/N250 (2010–Present)

The fifth and final generation of the 4Runner, for now, featured another complete redesign, including all-new sheet metal, powertrains, and a completely redesigned interior. This generation took inspiration from the 4Runner’s original truck roots, adopting an angular design and aggressive, pickup-like aesthetics.

Under the hood, the fifth generation received an all-new 2.7L 2TR-FE I4; however, the venerable 4.0 liter 1GR-FE V6 remained. This generation has received multiple facelifts in its 13-year run, with such updates as the TRD PRO package, redesigned fascias, and Toyota’s Safety Sense-P system.

Specifications

Engine	2.7L 2TR-FE I4 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Automatic
Front Suspension	Coil-Sprung Independent Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Coil-Sprung Solid Axle

What Makes the Model So Popular?

Over the years, the Toyota 4Runner has solidified itself as one of the most revered mid-size SUVs, continuously outselling various competitors on the market. So what makes the 4Runner so popular?

Legendary Toyota Reliability

The Toyota 4Runner is often viewed as one of the most reliable midsize SUVs, aside from the 3.0L 3VZ-E and its notorious head gasket issues; after all, it’s a Toyota! The company has built its name on reliability, with most chassis lasting well over 300 thousand miles with routine maintenance; in most cases, the body will rot out before the engine gives up the ghost!

Whether you wheel, overland, or simply rely on your 4Runner to get you to work everyday, you won’t be disappointed in the model’s unwavering reliability.

Off-Road Excellence

The Toyota 4Runner is an off-road machine in 4WD trimmings, featuring a robust body-on-frame design, solid rear axle, and various capable front suspension configurations. From the first solid front and rear axle 4Runner to current-generation, coil-sprung models, 4Runners are exceptional wheelers, only made better with the plethora of aftermarket support!

Aftermarket & Community Support

Speaking of aftermarket support, the 4Runner has a lot of it! With nearly 40 years under its belt, the 4Runner has accumulated quite the following. From die-hard fanatics on forums to model-specific parts providers, there’s no shortage of resources for a 4Runner owner. If, or when, your dream 4Runner ends up parked in your driveway, know that there’s more information and parts out there than you could ever anticipate.

Also, Toyota owners are like Jeepers; they’re all friendly and willing to help!